How to explore Scotland’s most iconic Outlander filming locations
With the eighth season of Outlander set to premiere in early 2026 on Starz, show fans are driving a tourism boom in Scotland. Hoping to visit real-world filming sites on the Jacobite Trail, international visitors enjoy immersive experiences that bring them closer to the series. However, the Jacobite Trail is more than an Outlander filming location; it is a curated historic route.
Key Outlander filming sites in Scotland
Rich with Jacobite-era heritage and picturesque locations, it is evident why these prominent sites were chosen to serve as the setting for Outlander. The following places are some of the most notable filming locations for the show, each of which appears along the historic Jacobite Trail in Scotland:
- Doune Castle: Standing in for Castle Leoch is Doune Castle, a medieval stronghold near a village by the same name. It was built in the 13th century and rebuilt during the late 14th century as the historic home of Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany. The castle is currently maintained by Historic Environment Scotland.
- Culross: Representing Cranesmuir, the village of Culross is Scotland’s most complete example of a burgh from the 17th and 18th centuries [National Trust for Scotland, 2025]. Complete with white houses, red tiled roofs, and cobbled streets, Culross was the perfect place to film Outlander.
- Blackness Castle: Used in place of Fort William, Blackness Castle’s position on the Firth of Forth has earned it the nickname “the ship that never sailed” [Historic Environment Scotland]. In addition to Outlander, films such as Mary Queen of Scots and Outlaw King were filmed at this location.
What is the Jacobite Trail?
The Jacobite trail guides visitors to the locations of a series of Scottish rebellions aimed at restoring the Stuart dynasty in the late 17th to mid-18th centuries. Derived from Jacobus, the Latin word for James, the Jacobite uprising of 1745 would have placed Charles Edward Stuart on the British throne. However, the risings were defeated at the Battle of Culloden. Of course, many of these events served to inspire Outlander.
How Outlander and the Jacobite Trail support tourism
Through increased visitor traffic and a growing cultural awareness of Scottish history, Scotland has come to benefit from tourism on the Jacobite Trail. Primarily driven by fans of Outlander, guided tours, self-drive itineraries, and visits to local sites have bolstered the tourism economy in the region. Now, tools, including maps, stats, and historical information, are available for route planning.
Fans connecting with real history
As fans travel the Jacobite Trail searching for notable locations from Outlander, they find opportunities to connect with the region’s rich history. By enjoying their immersion and engaging with community initiatives, fans are revitalising tourism in Scotland and finding inspiration in their experiences. Now, locations in Scotland are becoming some of the most prominent for viral tourism trends.
FAQs
Q: Where is the most popular Outlander filming location in Scotland?
A: Fans most frequently visit Historic Doune Castle, which portrays Castle Leoch during the show’s events.
Q: What is the Jacobite Trail?
A: The Jacobite Trail is a historical tourism route linking several key sites from the Jacobite Rising. It also connects some of the most notable locations featured in Outlander.
Q: Can Outlander filming locations be visited independently?
A: With some exceptions, many locations featured in Outlander are open to the public and can be visited without a guide. That said, a guided tour can offer more context to the experience, beyond the show’s events.
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